Anyone interested in photography, specifically celebrity photography, has definitely learned a thing or two from famed photographer, the late Herb Ritts. In his lifetime he photographed all of the major celebrities of the 70's, 80's, 90's & 00's from Richard Gere (who provided this book's forward) to Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell, Madonna, et al. This book, by Charles Churchward, debuted today and is bound to be a bestseller. I have to be honest, though, I was a little disappointed that The Golden Hour does not include more photographs of some of his most famous subjects. It does, however, through interviews of friends and co-workers, offer a better portrait of the man behind the lense.

Below, are just a few of Herb Ritt's most iconic images.
(click on images for more information on each subject)

       Madonna          Cindy Crawford     The Supermodels    Michael Jackson

...who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf." This soon-to-be-released movie is based on the 1970's award winning play by Ntozake Shange. On the surface, this film may very well come off as a "chick flick," but if it's anything like the play (even a fraction thereof) then it should prove to be a must see for both sexes. While the book nor the play looked favorably upon the male species (nor, for that matter, did it even feature actual men in the male roles, just the actresses' reactions to their off-stage, phantom tormentors), I'm hoping that this big-screen adaptation will allow, at least one male character, to  redeem himself. At minimum, this film could prove as a tutorial of what NOT to be in life, as men, husbands, boyfriends and friends.

NOTE: While not necessarily a true indicator of a film's quality, this one definitely offers a powerhouse of talent: Phylicia Rashad, Whoopi Goldberg, Loretta Devine, Kimberly Elise, Janet Jackson, Anika Noni Rose,  Kerry Washington and Thandie Newton.            (Starts Friday, November 5, 2010)

I was reminded after yesterday's post that very few people handwrite letters, notecads or thank you cards anymore. The computer has done to personal writing what cellular phones (texting in particular) has done to conversation. If you can't handwrite your correspondence (or rather won't) then Paperless Post is by far the best alternative that I've found.  They are presented like real invitations: Notecards and lined envelopes which are actually addressed to the recipient in your choice of font, with a "stamp" even! So, if you've no time to sit down and fire off a missive to your loved-ones then I am certain that, in lieu of a letter in their mailbox, they'll be quite happy to receive one of these in their inbox.

 really enjoy writing letters. I have a small assemblage of pens which I've collected over the years: a Montblanc Meisterstuck  fountain pen with a fine nib, that I received as a best man's gift, another one that a dear friend had given me on my 21st birthday and a Parker fountain pen from my father, plus a few other lesser prized writing instruments, e.g. Rollerballs, gels, ballpoints. I have found that there is nothing quite like writing with a fountain pen. Every adult man (and woman,) should own one, if only to sign life's  milestone  documents, i.e. a marriage certificate, car loans, mortgages, and the occasional divorce decree. For an everyday  pen, you really can't beat a Pilot Ball Point Pen in Fine (Black or Blue), which I've been using, off and on, since seventh grade.

Like most, since I don't have the chance to write letters as often as I'd like/should, and even more rarely, the occasional love letter, I welcome the infrequent times when I do, because it allows me the opportunity to use one of my favorite pens. I'm one of those few people left who still seriously believes that there's something special in putting pen to paper to express your thoughts. Equally impressive is walking out to your mailbox and finding that you've received a handwritten letter from someone special. Of course, your stationery wardrobe is just as important as what you write with: Crane and Smythson of Bond Street are always good choices. Above are some of the note cards that I've been using for the past few years from Crane; sleek and crisp with a black, faux crocodile lining. Or is it alligator? It doesn't matter, I just  know they are perfect for a quick and elegantly dispatched missive. Take note...

I stopped by The Grove/Farmer's Market today to picked up a bite to eat and by Nordstrom to pick up... well, anything really. The store was flooded with people and as I rounded the make-up counters I came face-to-face with the reason why: Mary J. Blige, the singer. She was there to launch her new sunglass collection, "MELODIES." The line seemed to go on forever. For the short time that I stood by, I noticed that she greeted each person  quite genuinely as they walked up. She even raffled off several pairs of the sunglasses to the attentive crowd. As I was preparing to leave a short while later, I ran into her, once again, being interviewed outside by Mario Lopez of "ET."   

Images by N.D. Harrington for The Sophisticated Gentleman